The investment bank, ABN Amro, has reduced its rating on the leading UK brewer, Scottish & Newcastle (S&N), from “hold” to “reduce”.

Meanwhile, WestLB Panmure has recommended investors switch out of Danish-based brewer, Carlsberg, and into S&N. The bank retained its “outperform” rating on S&N shares and its price target of 405p.

“We recommend selling Carlsberg as there’s significant headroom for missing the 2003 forecasts,” Stuart Price, analyst at Panmure, said in a research note.

Price added that S&N had strategic options and was a possible takeover target. “We believe that, within the context of the consolidation of the global brewing industry, S&N looks like a sitting duck and a value investment,” he said.

Just Drinks Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Drinks Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
De Kuyper Royal Distillers’ De Kuyper Batched 0.0% range has won both Innovation and Product Launches honours in the 2025 Just Drinks Excellence Awards. Learn how these premium, non-alcoholic RTD cocktails help operators serve consistent, bar-quality drinks while tapping fast-growing demand for sophisticated alcohol-free options.

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